Kristen Cooper

Kristen Cooper is a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for women in business, currently serving as CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies since August 2014, where the focus is on guiding entrepreneurs from idea to growth while connecting them with investors. Additionally, Kristen has been a rotating columnist for the Indianapolis Business Journal since May 2017, addressing topics such as startups, technology, mental health, and LGBTQ+ issues. Previous roles include Vice President of Operations & Corporate Development at Sticksnleaves, Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships at Indy Chamber, and various development positions at Butler University and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Kristen holds a B.A. in Communications from Penn State University and has extensive experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, and event management.